On April 25, a 7.8 earthquake wreaked havoc on the people of Nepal, causing approximately 8,600 deaths and even more devastation. A mere two weeks after the initial quake, an aftershock of 7.3 rumbled through the valleys of Nepal, resulting in even more disruption.
The major concerns that still exist today, a month after the initial impact, include clean water, shelter, and food security. Since monsoon season is just around the corner, the lack of agriculture is alarming to Nepal’s inhabitants for the upcoming months.
Partnerships Aid Disaster Response
Valued corporate partnerships make it possible for aid organizations such as World Vision to provide critically needed supplies and support countless families in need in times of crisis.
P&G, the world’s largest consumer product company, is providing financial aid and product support to World Vision to help earthquake survivors meet their most basic needs. In addition, they have set up a matching gift fund for P&G employees who are interested in giving contributions. All donations raised have gone directly to World Vision and other relief organizations.
Verizon, a global leader in delivering broadband and other wireless and wireline communications services, is matching their employees’ donations to World Vision for emergency relief efforts in Nepal.
“World Vision’s response to the Nepal earthquake was swift and effective. Their on-the-ground experience; their ability to get supplies, food, shelter and water to those who needed it quickly; and their willingness to work with our employees in the U.S. and internationally made them perfect partners for our Disaster Relief Incentive Program (DRIP),” said Rose Kirk, Chief Corporate Social Responsibility Officer for Verizon.
“Our employees have always opened their hearts in support of others in need, whether it’s for a co-worker on their team or for people who just need a helping hand. They responded to the Nepal earthquake with generosity, and as part of DRIP, Verizon provided a dollar-for-dollar match – up to $1,000 per employee – to extend the impact of their giving.”
“World Vision’s response to the Nepal earthquake was swift and effective. Their on-the-ground experience…and their willingness to work with our employees…made them perfect partners…”
—Rose Kirk, Chief Corporate Social Responsibility Officer for Verizon
World Vision is Prepositioned for Immediate Response in Nepal
World Vision’s local presence, relief expertise, and disaster preparedness afford us the opportunity to respond within 24 to 72 hours of a disaster, in any region around the globe.
The first phase to World Vision’s response is in effect, targeting the worst-affected areas of Bhaktapur, Gorkha, Kathmandu, Lalitpur, and Lamjung. World Vision aims to assist 152,500 people in these regions. The staff in Nepal is distributing essential materials, including tarps, blankets, roofing sheets, food supplies, kitchen sets, mosquito nets, and hygiene supplies. In addition, 22 child-friendly spaces have been set up to provide counseling resources and activities such as games or arts and crafts.
World Vision aims to assist 152,500 people in the worst-affected areas.
“Child Friendly Spaces are protected places for children to start coming to terms with this loss, giving them a bit of calm amid the chaos. Young people often start expressing their emotions through artwork, which helps them start to make sense of the devastation around them,” said Arpanah Rongong, World Vision’s child protection specialist in Nepal. “These activities are not just child’s play, they are a way for the children to experience again a sense of normal life.”
Get Your Company Involved
Whether you are an already invested partner or an interested company looking for a way to aid the families and children of Nepal, you can help.
- Fundraise for Nepal – Contact us to create a fundraising website for you or your team customized with your company’s logo. As an employer, you can also choose to contribute or match the fundraised amount to further show your employees and customers that you care.